Jason Shaw, Osbourn Park English teacher, will celebrate his comic debut with the release “Snow Monkey,” issue no. 1 on May 7, with a book signing at Comics & Gaming in Gainesville from 5-7 p.m.
“Snow Monkey” is a four-issue comic book series, published by Red 5 Comics. The series follows 16-year-old Jennifer Gaitlin, a high school student struggling with anxiety and depression, who dons an ancient helmet that grants her the skills of every warrior who has ever worn the helmet, in the fight against her father, a crime lord.
Shaw’s goal is to provide hope and inspiration for young readers who are navigating similar challenges.
“Over the years, I’ve observed an increasing number of students struggling with mental illness,” Shaw said. “I created Snow Monkey, a character who doesn’t have all the angles figured out but is learning to face her fears and find her strength, as a reflection of those students.”
While the protagonist faces external threats in the form of her father’s dangerous students, a gang called Dragon’s Breath, she learns to manage her personal life. Through her struggles and triumphs, “Snow Monkey” provides a realistic yet hopeful narrative that should resonate with teens and adults alike.
However, Shaw added that the depictions of mental illness in the pages of “Snow Monkey” are subtle and not blatant, making it appropriate for tween readers.
“Her challenges are woven organically into her character and story, making her journey feel authentic and relatable,” he said.
Rates of anxiety and depression continue to significantly increase, with reportedly more than 30 percent of teens experiencing a mental health disorder each year. Social pressures, academic stress, and the lingering effects of the pandemic have exacerbated the crisis, leaving many teens feeling isolated and overwhelmed.
“I wanted to create a story that doesn’t shy away from the reality of anxiety and depression, but also shows that growth and healing are possible,” he said. “Snow Monkey” is about finding strength in vulnerability and hope in the face of adversity.”
While “Snow Monkey” is Shaw’s first foray into professional comic book writing, he considers himself, first and foremost, a storyteller. With 35 years experience as a journalist, advertising copywriter and educator, he has always embraced narrative forms as a means to communicate to an audience.
“Snow Monkey” made its debut this past weekend with special Free Comic Book Day 2025 title alongside other Red 5 Comics young adult series, “Enigmatown” and “Something Beyond the Petrichor.” The exclusive comic, which is still available in some stores, gives readers a first look at Jennifer’s world and the challenges she faces, setting the stage for the full series.
“Snow Monkey” has already received rave reviews from those in the comic industry. Critics love the action and the artwork.
To produce the series, Shaw teamed with artist Heubert Khan Michael, whose dynamic pages bring this story to life. The first issue features a painted cover by popular cover artist Aaron Bartling.
The Snow Monkey comic series can be ordered from comic book retailers and at red5comics.com. It retails for $5.
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